Tech
Startup Bangladesh invests in SWAP
Published
3 years agoon
SWAP, Bangladesh’s first re-commerce platform raises 5 crore BDT in Pre-Series
Startup Bangladesh Limited, the flagship venture capital company of the ICT Division,
decided to invest in SWAP, the first ever re-commerce platform in Bangladesh. Swap
works by offering customers both convenience and safety when selling a product
along with ensuring an environment-friendly way to discard e-waste. The platform
enables many low-income households to purchase, sell and exchange products –
increasing economic participation and access-to-technology in an emerging market
such as Bangladesh.
An agreement was signed recently between the organizations in Dhaka to invest 5
crore BDT in Pre-Series A round.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Khandker Anwarul Islam, Cabinet
Secretary, Cabinet Division. Startup Bangladesh Chairman & Senior secretary of ICT
division Mr. N M Zeaul Alam PAA, Managing Director Sami Ahmed, Head of Portfolio
Investment Hasan A. Arif and Parvez Hossain, CEO and Tonmoy Shaha, COO of SWAP
and other stakeholders were present on the occasion.
Since starting in 2020, SWAP has generated more than USD $43M in Gross
Merchandise Value (GMV), with a current monthly GMV of over USD $2.5M. SWAP has
served over 80,000 customers till date and has also helped to reduce 3650 Metric ton
of carbon emission and saved more than 386 metric ton of e-waste as part of the
commitment to reduce carbon footprint and contribute to an environmentally
sustainable ecommerce industry in emerging markets.
Startup Bangladesh Limited is the flagship venture capital fund of ICT Division. Under
the visionary guidance of Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Startup Bangladesh the first and only venture capital fund sponsored by the government of the people’s
republic of Bangladesh started its journey on March 2020 with an allocated capital of
BDT 500 crore. In this effort to enable the nation to innovate faster, Startup Bangladesh has decided to invest 5 crore BDT in SWAP after recognizing the potential of this re-
commerce pioneer.
On the occasion Mr. Zunaid Ahmed Palak, State Minister for ICT Division said,
“Bangladesh has become a fertile land for startups and innovation, which is
transforming the startup ecosystem. The Government is a strong believer of innovation
and technology, and we believe Startups are the change-makers and Impact creators
in society. To support these innovative Startups, Government has established Startup
Bangladesh venture Capital company. Startup Bangladesh’s role in supporting startup
ecosystem through investments in technology startups is vital towards building Smart
Bangladesh. I hope Swap will make remarkable impact in the industry with this
investment.”
“The work that SWAP is doing in the re-commerce industry is highly commendable
and the investment from Startup Bangladesh Ltd on SWAP will help it to be the leader
of the industry. I hope that they will be able to make a deep impact in Smart
Bangladesh implementation as a Startup. The ICT Division is working diligently in
changing policies that assist the emerging and growing startups in many aspects,
whether it is policy level, training, development etc.” mentioned NM Zeaul Alam PAA,
Senior Secretary, ICT Division and Chairman Startup Bangladesh Ltd.
“Startup Bangladesh aims to support homegrown startups to grow and reach heights
that generate higher standards for more Foreign Investment. The local startup
ecosystem is greatly influenced by prospective ventures like SWAP, With the right
strategy and focus, SWAP will be able to make remarkable example as successful and
sustainable startup in the ecosystem”, said Sami Ahmed, Managing Director, Startup
Bangladesh Limited.
“We believe that SWAP provides a solution that the Bangladesh market greatly needs.
By building an ecosystem for pre-owned goods, we are providing our country’s low
and middle income households access to technology at an affordable price while
encouraging the circular economy mandate. By reusing and increasing the lifespan of
electronics devices & light vehicles, we can also ease the pressure on import of such
goods, easing the stress on our dollar reserve.” said SWAP CEO and Co-founder, Parvez
Hossain.
Startup Bangladesh in its effort to build a vibrant startup ecosystem that nurtures
digitalization, has been investing in most promising and impactful startups in
Bangladesh and has continued that tradition by investing in SWAP. With the
investment in SWAP Startup Bangladesh has invested in 18 companies with more than
50 crore BDT to date.
Tech
From Confusion to Clarity: Dheow’s Book Helps Users Master ChatGPT Conversations
Published
3 weeks agoon
November 10, 2025
The much-anticipated book ‘AI Shikhun Taka Gunun’ (Learn AI, Count Money) by ICT writer and journalist Mojahidul Islam Dheow has officially hit the shelves. According to Systech Publications, the book received an overwhelming response even before its release, with more than 1,600 pre-orders placed within the very first week through platforms like Rokomari.com, Prothoma, and other online stores. It is now available at bookstores across Bangladesh, including Systech’s outlet in Banglabazar, Dhaka, at a printed price of Tk 400.
In today’s fast-changing digital world, we stand at a crossroads where a single keystroke can open the door to new income opportunities. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become humanity’s newest coworker—reshaping how we live, learn, and earn. Mojahidul’s latest book builds a bridge from learning to earning, connecting investigative journalism with public awareness and guiding readers toward practical uses of AI for creativity, innovation, and income generation.
The book is thoughtfully divided into three major parts. The first part serves as an income guide for young learners, showing them how to use AI prompts and tools to find freelance work, generate creative ideas, and turn them into profitable ventures. The second part functions as an investigative toolkit for journalists, offering hands-on advice on data mining, source verification, and cybersecurity using AI applications. The third part caters to general readers, simplifying the complex world of AI and explaining its opportunities and risks in easy, everyday language—from detecting deepfakes and misinformation to understanding how AI is transforming modern life.
Within its chapters, the author introduces over 150 AI tools across more than 30 categories, helping readers explore the most effective AI resources for any purpose—whether for business, work, or personal development. The book highlights tools for AI assistance, video and image generation, automation, meetings, and research. It also discusses AI-powered writing, design, and app-building platforms, alongside innovative AI search engines. Readers will find valuable insights into AI tools for knowledge management, email automation, scheduling, presentations, and even résumé creation. Mojahidul further explores creative fields such as AI-generated voice and music, as well as marketing innovations that promise to revolutionize both productivity and imagination in the digital age.
Md. Mojahidul Islam Dheow, a computer science graduate, has been an active voice in ICT writing since 2003 and has authored over a dozen books. His title Web Database Application: MySQL-PHP was the first Bangla-language book on web database and application development, earning him the Bestseller Award in 2021. His writing style is lively, accessible, and deeply engaging—sometimes technically detailed, sometimes playfully conversational. Reading his work feels like chatting with a tech-savvy friend who’s eager to share smart digital tricks over a cup of coffee.
There are plenty of reasons to read AI Shikhun, Taka Gunun. Whether you’re a beginner looking to start freelancing, a journalist interested in mastering AI-driven investigative tools, or a curious reader eager to understand how AI is reshaping everyday life, this book speaks to all audiences with equal clarity and enthusiasm. Ultimately, Learn AI, Count Money is more than just a book—it’s a complete roadmap for thriving in the era of artificial intelligence.
Speaking about his new release, Mojahidul Islam Dheow shared his vision for the book:“This book reveals countless ways to earn through AI. You can use AI content tools to offer writing services, manage brands and social media accounts, or provide AI-powered SEO solutions. You can even build and sell your own custom GPTs! If you’re creative, AI-generated art and images can become great sources of online income. Similarly, AI-driven affiliate marketing, ad management, and optimization are becoming increasingly popular.
Many people struggle to find the right prompts that bring out useful and engaging responses from ChatGPT. It can be frustrating to spend time crafting questions only to get results that miss the mark. That’s where this guide comes in. In this book, I’ve compiled a collection of over 500 effective prompts designed to spark creative and insightful responses. For example, if you’re writing about travel, instead of asking, ‘Tell me about traveling,’ try, ‘Describe a perfect day in Paris, from breakfast to dinner.’ The same logic applies to IT support—rather than asking, ‘How do I fix my computer?’ ask, ‘How can I speed up my Wi-Fi on Windows 11?’ The more specific your prompt, the clearer and more helpful the answer will be.
Translation and localization services powered by AI also open up easy income opportunities. You can create and sell digital products, offer AI tutoring, or launch online courses. Building AI-powered websites, managing email campaigns, developing chatbots or mobile apps—even automating lead generation—AI offers endless possibilities. Finally, AI is now an incredible assistant in data collection, management, and analysis. You can even generate AI-based video content and monetize it on video platforms.”
Through AI Shikhun, Taka Gunun, Mojahidul Islam Dheow once again proves his mastery in blending technology with practical wisdom. His latest work doesn’t just teach readers about AI—it empowers them to turn knowledge into action, and curiosity into income, in the exciting new world of artificial intelligence.
Tech
Pre-Orders Open for Mojahidul Islam’s Latest Computer Book ‘AI Shikhun, Taka Gunun’
Published
3 months agoon
September 12, 2025
Technology writer and journalist Mojahidul Islam Dheow is set to release his new book, “AI Sikhun, Taka Gunun.”
Online pre-orders have already started, and the book is being published by Systech Publications.
In today’s digital age, we stand at a turning point—where simple keystrokes can turn into dollars, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming humanity’s newest coworker.
This book acts as a bridge, connecting learning with earning and blending investigative journalism with awareness-raising for general readers. The book is structured into three parts.
The first section is designed as an earning guide for young people. It explains how AI content prompts can create opportunities in the freelancing market and how small ideas can grow into significant income streams.
The second section serves as a hands-on investigative handbook for journalists, offering practical tips on using AI tools for data mining, verifying sources, and ensuring cybersecurity.
The third section is aimed at general readers. It presents the opportunities and risks of AI in simple language while also teaching methods for spotting deepfakes and identifying fake news.
Mojahidul Islam Dheow, a Computer Science graduate, has been writing and publishing technology-related books since 2003, with more than a dozen titles to his name.
His book “Web Database Application: MySQL–PHP” was the first Bangla-language book on website database and application development, earning him the Best Author Award in 2021. Dheow’s writing style is lively and accessible—sometimes deeply technical, sometimes witty and lighthearted. His words make readers feel as though they are casually learning new hacks while chatting with a friend.
This book is equally valuable for three key audiences: those who want to start freelancing but don’t know how to begin, journalists eager to learn the magic of AI-powered data tools, and everyday readers curious about how AI is reshaping our daily lives.
All in all, “AI Sikhun, Taka Gunun” is not just another book—it is a complete roadmap for surviving and thriving in the age of AI.
According to the author, the book will help readers discover numerous exciting ways to earn with AI. These include offering writing services with AI content tools, managing brands and social media accounts, providing AI-powered SEO services, creating and selling custom GPTs, producing AI-generated art and images, affiliate marketing, optimizing paid advertising, offering translation and localization services, developing and selling AI-powered digital products, teaching and hosting online courses, building websites and running email marketing campaigns, creating AI chatbots for businesses, developing mobile apps, automating lead generation, managing and analyzing data, and even producing AI-powered YouTube content.
The printed price is 400 Taka. If pre-ordered, the book can be purchased at a 20% discount for 320 Taka at https://www.rokomari.com/book/504542/ai-shikhun-taka-gunun.
Tech
A10 Networks Expands its Cybersecurity Portfolio with Acquisition of ThreatX Protect
Published
9 months agoon
March 13, 2025
ThreatX Protect Addresses Critical Need to Protect Against Evolving Application and API Security Threats
To continue to help customers address the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape, A10 Networks has acquired the assets and key personnel of ThreatX Protect expanding its cybersecurity portfolio with web application and API protection (WAAP). The acquisition is expected to be modestly accretive to A10’s earnings per share in 2025 and has closed.
Attacks against web applications and application programming interfaces (APIs) are on the rise and are a significant threat to enterprises. ThreatX Protect provides a unique WAAP solution using behavioral and risk profiling to help protect enterprises from evolving threats, including threats to AI applications, which can complement an AI firewall. Delivered as a software-as-a service solution, ThreatX Protect includes API protection, bot management and next-generation web application firewall.
“Expanding the A10 Defend security portfolio with ThreatX Protect gives our customers an additional tool in their strategy to protect against new and evolving threats,” said Dhrupad Trivedi, president and CEO, A10 Networks. “Our strategic focus is on helping enterprises secure their applications and networks from the growing number of threats today, as well as protecting the emerging AI use cases of the future. Adding WAAP to our solution set gives customers additional capabilities to help establish a strong security posture.”
“We are thrilled that A10 Networks has acquired certain assets of ThreatX, including the brand and the TX Protect WAAP solution to expand A10’s security portfolio,” said Gene Fay, CEO of ThreatX. “A10 has been a fantastic partner throughout this process, and we are confident that our customers and employees will thrive under their leadership.”
As a result of this transition, the remaining assets of ThreatX will be launched as Run Security with TX Prevent, the cutting-edge eBPF-based solution re-launched as RS Prevent.
ThreatX Protect supports A10’s strategy of helping customers deploy A10 security solutions in a hybrid approach to protect apps and APIs running anywhere – public cloud, private cloud, co- location facilities or on-premises. The A10 Defend portfolio of solutions provides DDoS protection, DDoS threat intelligence and web application, and now adds a full-featured WAAP solution all integrated into a single platform with end-to-end delivery and stronger security for mission-critical applications.
Specific terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition is consistent with A10’s stated strategy of expanding the Company’s security portfolio to grow in the enterprise market. The acquisition does not represent a material change to the Company’s 2025 financial outlook or long-term business model.
From Confusion to Clarity: Dheow’s Book Helps Users Master ChatGPT Conversations
Pre-Orders Open for Mojahidul Islam’s Latest Computer Book ‘AI Shikhun, Taka Gunun’
Bangladesh’s Press at a Crossroads: Between Promises of Reform and the Shadows of Repression



